Apparatus for progressive injection of combustibles in peripheral type burners



2,682,148 LES June 29, 1954 R. c. BRIERLY APPARATUS FOR PROGRESSIVEINJECTION OF COMBUSTIB IN PERIPHERAL TYPE BURNERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledDec. 2. 1947 FIG. 2

INVENTOR. PALPH c. BRIEFLY A TTOPNE Y June 29, 1954 Q BRlERLY 2,682,148

APPARATUS FOR PROGRESSIVE INJECTION OF COMBUSTIBLES IN PERIPHERAL TYPEBURNERS Filed Dec. 2. 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

ATTOPA/H 2,682,148 STIBLES 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. RALPH C. 52/5/21)ATTOQNEY R. C. BRIERLY IN PERIPHERAL TYPE BURNERS June 29, 1954APPARATUS FOR PROGRESSIVE INJECTION OF COMBU Filed Dec. 2. 1947 FIG. l2

Patented June 29, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFME APPARATUS FORPROGRESSIVE INJECTION OF COMBUSTIBLES IN PEREPHERAL TYPE BURNERS 3Claims.

(Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952),

sec. 266) This invention relates to improvements in fuel burners, andmore particularly pertains to peripheral-burner type apparatus for thecombustion of fuel, being applicable specifically to high heat-releasecombustion chambers such as those used in conjunction with gas turbinesand jetpropulsion equipment, and applicable generally to any apparatuswherein peripheral heating, or firing around the circumference of achamber, is desirable. Eflicient operation of combustion chambers of thetypes employed in gas turbine systems and the like is provided by theapparatus, permitting the burning of fuel under pressure at high,heretofore impracticable, heat-released and at minimumpressure-differentials or draft losses.

The optimum forms of combustion chambers heretofore employed are subjectto many disadvantages. By employing end-firing equipment, such chamberslimit range to heat release of a relatively low order, due to the greatpressure loss between such firing equipment and the distal end of thechamber. Gas fiow must accordingly be limited to effect combustion of asubstantial portion thereof. Neither flame, temperature distribution,nor air intermixture can be maintained uniformly throughout the chamber,nor can optimum heat concentration be achieved.

The apparatus herein disclosed overcomes these disadvantages. ofpressure loss by dispensing with end-firing equipment and substitutingthe novel firing system disclosed; firing-rate range is increased tohitherto impracticable limits by structure permitting control of gasfiow over ranges of 1 to 100 or more; substantially uniform flame andtemperature distribution and intimate air intermixture throughout thechamber is maintained; greater concentration of heat is provided byvirtue of the above characteristics and by reason of the superchargingand aspirating effects; proper cooling of the chamber is maintained bythe disperse system of admixing incoming fuel; and the fuel is preparedfor rapid combustion without recourse to extraneous means.

The primary object of the invention is to provide simple and highlyeflicient peripheralburner type apparatus for the combustion of fuel,wherein a high-speed, high-velocity and high-heat-containing flame ofgeneral conical section is formed by a series of nested rings thatdischarge air, air and fuel, or fuel into a common chamber in such amanner that a flame is formed with each successive ring adding anoxidant such as air, an oxidant and fuel, or fuel There is a substantialreduction under pressure to boost the intensity of the flame.

Another object is to provide peripheral-burner type apparatus for thecombustion of fuel wherein hollow annular elements function as bothcombustion chamber walls and conical-flame producing burners.

Still another object is to provide peripheralburner type apparatus forthe combustion of fuel wherein firing is effected directly through theelements comprising the walls of the chamher.

A further object is to provide peripheral-burner type apparatus for thecombustion of fuel wherewith conventional end firing is eliminated,thereby avoiding the employment of firefronts or their equivalents andthus reducing draft losses.

Another object is to provide peripheral-burner type apparatus for thecombustion of fuel wherein cooling of the chamber wall occurssimultaneously with the preparation of the combustible for firing.

Still another object is to provide peripheralburner type apparatus forthe combustion of fuel, said apparatus being characterized by improveddistribution of flame, maintenance of optimum gas temperature, increasedcombustion speed and more eiiicient flame concentration.

Further objects and advantages of this invention, as well as itsconstruction, arrangement and operation, will be apparent from thefollowing description and claims in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which Fig. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a fuelburner, partly in section and partly broken away, showing a preferredembodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary isometric View of combustion chamber elements,showing a modified form of the counterpart elements of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary isometric view of combustion chamber elements,showing a further modified form of the counterpart elements of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary isometric View of combustion chamber elements,showing still other modifications of the counterpart elements of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a schematized sectional elevation of a fuel burner andassociated elements, showing another form of the invention;

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are isometric views of combustion chamber elementsshowing modified forms of the counterpart of elements of Fig. 5;

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of the tubes in Figs. 6, 7and 8, respectively;

Fig. 12 is a schematized sectional elevation of a fuel burner andassociated elements, showing a further modified form of the invention;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary isometric view of combustion chamber elements,showing a modified form of the counterpart elements of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary isometric view of combustion chamber elements,showing another modification of the counterpart elements of Fig. 12.

Similar numerals refer throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 shows a fuel burner including an outer chamber 2| of generallycylindrical shape. A plurality of hollow frusto-conical rings 23,arranged in axial alignment and in spaced relation, with each convergingtoward the down stream end of chamber 2|, are of the same base and thesame top diameter and of the same height. Each ring 23 is provided witha plurality of openings 25 in its top or downstream surface, saidopenings communicating with the interior of each said ring, and the axisof each ring 23 is maintained coincident with the longitudinal axis ofchamber 2| by means of a plurality of hollow fins 21, which secure saidrings to the inner wall of chamber 2|. The respective interiors of fins21 and their associated rings 23 are in communication.

Conduits 29 connect the interiors of similarly positioned fins ofadjacent rings, and an intake conduit 3| passes through the wall ofchamber 2| proximate the upstream end of said chamber to a manifold 33,which communicates with the interiors of the fins 21 positioned at theupstream end of chamber 2|.

When a combustible, with or without other suitable fluid or pulverizedsubstances, is introduced through intake conduit 3|, manifold 33 andconduit 23 to the rings 23 and ejected through openings 25 into anignited mass interior the chamber defined by said rings, a cylindricalflame mass or a flame mass of peristalticcylindrical shape ismaintained, while the material introduced through said rings functionsas a coolant thereof and secondary air passes downstream around andbetween each ring to assist in the support of combustion. Accordingly,the need for employing a conventional burner or burners, together withmeans to support a burner or burners at the upstream end of the chamberto similar parts is obviated, and pressure loss in the gas streampassing through the chamber is reduced.

Fig. 2 shows a modified form of ring structure. A plurality of hollowfrusto-conical rings 35, 31, 39 and 4|, arranged in axial alignment andin spaced relation, with each converging toward the downstream end of anouter chamber (not shown), are of the same height, and of progressivelyincreasing sizes. Rings 35, 31, 39 and 4| are each provided with aplurality of nozzles 43 in their top or downstream surfaces, saidnozzles communicating with the interior of their respective rings, andare further provided with a plurality of hollow fins 45, 41, 49 andrespectively, the interior of said fins communicating with the interiorof said rings, and said fins securing said rings relative said chamber.

Conduits 53 connect the interiors of similarly positioned fins ofadjacent rings, and a suitable intake conduit and manifold (not shown)communicating with the interiors of fins 45 is pro- 4 vided. With suchstructure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shownin Fig. 1 is effected, except that a conical flame mass or a flame massof conical-peristaltic shape is maintained.

Fig. 3 shows a further modified form of ring structure. A plurality ofhollow frusto-conical rings, 55, 51, 59, BI, 63, 65 and 61, arranged inaxial alignment and in spaced relation, with each converging toward thedownstream end of an outer chamber (not shown), are of the same height,and of progressively decreasing and then progressively increasing sizes.Said rings are each provided with an annular slot 69, 1|, 13, 15, 11, 19and 8| respectively in their top or downstream surfaces, said slotscommunicating with the interior of their respective rings, and arefurther provided with a plurality of hollow fins 83, 85, 81, 89, 9|, 93and 95 respectively, the interior of said fins communicating with theinterior of said rings, and said fins securing said rings relative saidchamber.

Conduits 91 connect the interiors of similarly positioned fins ofadjacent rings, and a suitable intake conduit and manifold (not shown)communicating with the interiors of fins 83 is provided. With suchstructure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shownin Fig. 1 is effected, except that a flame mass defining a cylindroidgenerated by a substantially catenary curve, or a cylindroid generatedby a substantially catenary and peristaltic curve, is maintained.

Fig. 4 shows still another form of ring structure. A plurality of hollowfrusto-conical rings 99, IOI, I03 and I05, arranged in axial alignmentand in spaced relation, with each converging toward the downstream endof an outer chamber (not shown), are of the same height, and ofprogressively decreasing size. Said rings are each provided with aplurality of slots I01, I09, III and H3 respectively in their top ordownstream surfaces, said slots communicating with the interiors oftheir respective rings, and are further provided with a plurality ofhollow fins II5, II1, H9 and I2I respectively, the interior of said finscommunicating with the interior of said rings, and said fins securingsaid rings relative said chamber.

Conduits I23 connect the interiors of similarly positioned fins ofadjacent rings, and a suitable intake conduit and manifold (not shown)communicatin with the interiors of fins H5 is provided. With suchstructure, performance similar to the performance of the structure shownin Fig. 1 is effected, except that a conoidal flame mass, or aperistaltic-conoidal shaped flame mass is maintained.

Structure adapted to ignite and fire the chamber, together with aregenerative system and a modified form of the invention, is shown inFig. 5. Outer chamber I25, of generally cylindrical shape, is providedwith a helically Wound tube I21, which is secured to the inner wall ofsaid chamber and extends substantially the length thereof. Said tube I21is preferably circular in cross-section, as shown in Fig. 9;alternatively, said tube is ovate in cross-section, as shown in Fig. 10,or of tear-drop or stream-lined shape, as shown in Fig. 11. Amultiplicity of nozzles I29, each communicating with the interior ofsaid tube I21, are arranged in spaced relation on the downstream portionof the surface of said tube.

Firing is effected by gas generated initially by the type of auxiliaryapparatus disclosed and claimed in application Serial No. 551,420, filedAugust 26, 1944, Patent No. ,601,242, such apparatus being hereindesignated generally by the numeral I 3i, and includin combustionchamber I33 having fuel inlet I35, vaporizer I31, blower I39, diffusersMI, and manifold I 43. Fuel is injected through inlet I35, atomized byvaporizer I31, ignited, accelerated by blower I39, and guided throughdiffusers I iI to the principal chamber I25. Supplemental fuel supply isprovided from main conduit I45 through manifold I 13, which feeds tubeI21. Valve I41 is adapted to regulate the flow of fuel.

The regenerative system includes a return conduit Me communicatingbetween the downstream end of tube I21 and blower I39, and by-passconduit I5I communicating between said conduit I49 and the upstream endof the interior of chamber I25. Valve I53 is adapted to regulate theflow I from conduit N39 to blower I39, and valve I55 is adapted toregulate the flow through by-pass conduit I5I.

A modified form of helical tube is shown in Fig. 6. In lieu of the tubeI21, a helically wound tube I51 of progressively increasing diameter ofrotation downstream is provided, said tube I51 being provided with amultiplicity of bores I59, said bores being positioned on the downstreamportion of each convolution of said tube and communicating with theinterior of said tube. With such structure, performance similar to theperformance of the structure shown in Fig. 1 is effected, except that aconoidal flame mass, or a peristaltic-conoidal shaped flame mass ismaintained.

The further modification shown in Fig. 7 includes, in lieu of the tubeI21, a helically wound tube IBI of progressively decreasing diameter ofrotation downstream. Said tube ItI is provided with a slot I 53extending the length thereof, said slot being positioned on the downstream portion of said tube and communicating throughout its length withthe interior of said tube. With such structure, performance similar tothe performance of the structure shown in Fig. 1 is effected, exceptthat a flame mass of invertedconoidal shape, or of invertedperistaltic-conoidal shape, is maintained.

Another form of the invention, shown in Fig.

8, includes, in lieu of the tube I21, a helioally wound tube I65 ofprogressively decreasin and then progressively increasing diameter ofrotation downstream. Said tube 555 is provided with a multiplicity ofslots I51, said slots being positioned on the downstream portion of eachcon.- volution of said tube and communicating with the interior of saidtube. With such structure, performance similar to the performance of thestructure shown in l is effected, except that a flame mass defining acylindroid generated by a substantially catenary curve, or a cylindroidgenerated by a substantially catenary and peristaltic curve, ismaintained.

Fig. 12 shows a modified form of the invention. Outer chamber I55, ofgenerally cylindrical shape, is provided with a plurality of hollowarcuate doors III arranged in spaced relationship. to define a cylinderforming acombustion chamber disposed in axial alignment with chamberI69. Each door I'II is provided with a plurality of compartments I13 andI15, each of said compartments opening into the chamber defined by saiddoors at an edge thereof. Conduit I11 extends into the interior orchamber I69 proximate the upstream end of said chamber, and feedsmanifold I19, which in turn is provided with a plurality of conduits I8Icommunicating with compartments I13. Conduit I 83 extends into theinterior of chamber I69 proximate the upstream end of said chamber, andfeeds manifold I85, which in turn is provided with a plurality ofconduits I81 communicating with compartments I15.

Conduits I89 communicate between the downstream end of compartments I15and manifold I9I, which in turn connects with conduit I93, which is thereturn conduit of the regenerative system hereinabove described withreference to Fig. 5.

In operation, a suitable combustible, which at the same time canfunction as a coolant, is introduced through conduit I83, manifold I andconduits I81 to compartments I15 of doors Ill and ejected from theslots, nozzles, perforations or other openings in the leaving edge ofeach such compartment to form a sheet of flame or series of sheets offlames discharged in generally tangential relation to the gas streampassing through the chamber and paralleled on at least one side by airpassing along at least one edge or surface of each said door III.coincidentally, combustible or an accelerator or other suitablesubstance is introduced through conduit I11, manifold I19 and conduitsIBI to compartments I13 of doors Ill, and emitted from the slots,nozzles, perforations or other openings in the leaving edge of each suchcompartment to accelerate or otherwise assist in effecting the desiredcombustion. It is thus apparent that the disclosed structure obviatesthe necessity for employing a burner or burners, together withsupporting means therefor, at the upstream end of the chamber, andconsequently reduces pressure loss in the gas stream passing through thechamber.

Fig. 13 shows a modified form of door construe-- stream, is provided.The longitudinal axis of said frustum is coincident with thelongitudinal axis of the outer chamber (not shown). Each door I55includes a plurality of compartments similar to compartments I13 and I15except that they are of varying cross-section. Suitable intake conduitsI91 and I99, and outlet conduits 20L similar to the correspondingconduits of Fig. 12, are likewise provided.

It is apparent that except for flame shape, operation is the same as theoperation of the structure shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 shows another modified form of door construction adapted for usein lieu of doors I1 I. A plurality of hollow arcuate doors 293 arrangedin spaced relationship to define a, frustum of a cone, wherein the majordiameter is disposed upstream, is provided. The longitudinal axis ofsaid frustum is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the outerchamber (not shown). Each door 293 includes a plurality of compartmentssimilar to the compartments I13 and I15 except that they are of varyingcross-section. Suitable intake conduits 205 and 291, and outlet conduits259, similar to the corresponding conduits of Fig. 12, are likewiseprovided. It is apparent that. except for the flame shape, operation isthe same as the operation of the structure shown. in Fig. 12.

In operation of the peripheral burners hereinabove described, an orificecan be installed at the entering end of the chamber to facilitate anddirect air flow, whereby air is caused to flow through the spacesbetween the annular elements shown in Figs. 1 to 4, between the turns ofthe spirals shown in Figs. 5 to 11, and between the doors shown in Figs.12 to 14. Provision of such orifices is consistent with the avowedfunction of permitting minimum pressure loss, since the dimensions ofsuch orifice and of the spaces between rings, turns and doors can be soproportioned that pressure losses are substantially lower than thepressure losses that occur when conventional burners are employed.Alternatively, a separate source of supply for air to be passed betweenthe rings shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the spirals shown in Figs. 5 to 11, andthe doors shown in Figs. 12 to 14, can be provided. As anotheralternative, nested construction can be employed, wherein hollow annularrings, a spiral tube within a spiral tube, or a hollow door within ahollow door, are provided. In the last named structure, fuel can besupplied through one element and air through the element pairedtherewith, so that the air is efiective to supercharge and aspirate thefuel leaving the other vessel.

While it is contemplated that the forms of the invention hereinabovedescribed can be fired by gas generated initially by the apparatusdisclosed in application Serial No. 551,420, filed August 26, 1944,Patent No. 2,601,242, any suitable firing means can be employed. Forexample, the chambers hereinabove described can make their own gas asoperation continues, and thereby dispense with the use of part of theauxiliary gas-making apparatus: Gas can be first generated by vaporizingoil injected into the outlet of a separate combustion chamber. This gas,impelled by the blower of the separate combustion chamber, is ignitedspontaneously or in any other suitable manner to raise the temperatureof the air and the products of combustion passing axially through thechamber. Part of the gaseous mixture is thereafter led to the intake ofthe blower, propelled through the secondary combustion chamber and usedto vaporize additional combustible for firing. Alternatively, the outletof such secondary combustion chamber is attached to a hollow annularring or to the turns of a hollow spiral proximate the chamber exit. Asthese become heated, they vaporize oil injected into them and allow thesecondary charmber flame to be secured. This last-described apparatuspermits employment of blower parts of lower heat resistance.

It is apparent that general function is the same in each of thestructures hereinabove described. Combustible is forced into the hollowrings, spiral tube or hollow doors forming the walls of the chamber,leaves the apertures provided therein, burns in a moving stream with airpassing axially through the chamber and air also being supplied betweenthe hollow rings, turns of the spiral or hollow doors (any of which canbe double: viz. a hollow ring within a hollow ring, tube within a tube,or door within a door) in such a manner that air and/or other substancessuch as combustion catalyzers can be supplied separately to supercharge,to aspirate, or to assist in the combustion of the combustible, or toperform other functions as required. Flames fed from such gas-generatingstructures ignite spontaneously. Alternatively, the mixture can beignited by pilot flames, pyrotechnic cartridges, or firing devices ofthe type described in application Serial No. 455,254, filed August 18,1942, now abandoned.

While air passing between the cones or helices described tends toproduce cones or spirals of fiame, it is at times desirable tostreamline flame flow with air flow to diminish resistance and therebydecrease pressure losses. It is apparent that this object can beaccomplished by beveling the leaving ends of the cones inward, therebyinclining the jets toward the longitudinal axis of the chamber defined.

The frusto-conical structures hereinbefore described are shown as havingtwo fins. It is to be understood, however, that any number of fins canbe employed and that such fins can be disposed radially as well astangentially. Further, said fins are shown as being. interconnectedthrough manifolding to common sources of either combustible or mixturesof combustible and other substances. It is apparent that connection ofthe fins of alternate cones with independent sources of combustible or amixture of combustible and other substances is both feasible and, insome cases, advantageous. Independent sources of special oxidants,including oxygen itself, special combustion catalysts, andoxidantdecomposing agents can be introduced in this manner.

In the chambers having helical members, interspersed helices, similar tothe threads of multithread screws, can function similarly, withcombustible in one helix, oxidant in a second, and catalyzers in athird, with all of said helices forming and defining the wall around theflame.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, corrugations,grooves or bafiles protruding from the inner surface of the doors areeffective to assist in increasing flame travel and diminish axial slipof gas mixtures that would otherwise develop when velocities of a highorder are present.

Various modifications and changes can be made in the subject devicewithout departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or forthe Government of the United States of America for governmental purposeswithout the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

I claim:

1. A combustion chamber comprising a casing, a plurality of hollowfrusto-conical rings secured in axial alignment and in spaced relationtherein, means to release downstream combustible from the interior ofeach of said rings, and means to supply combustible under pressure tothe interior of each of said rings.

2. A combustion chamber comprising a casing, a plurality of hollowfrusto-conical rings secured in axial alignment and in spaced relationtherein, each of said rings converging downstream, means to releasedownstream combustible from the interior of each of said rings, andmeans to supply combustible under pressure to the interior of each ofsaid rings.

3. A combustion chamber comprising a casing, a plurality of hollowfrustoconical rings of progressively decreasing and then progressivelyincreasing sizes downstreamward secured in axial alignment and in spacedrelation therein, each of said rings converging downstream, an annularslot in the downstream edge of each of said rings adapted to releasecombustible from the interior of each of said rings, and means to supplycombustible under pressure to the interior of each of said rings.

(References on following page) References Cited in the file of thispatent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Lubbock Sept. 20, 1949 5Lysholm Jan. 22, 1935 Pinkel Mar. 18, 1947 Sweeney June 22, 1948Bonvillian Mar. 22, 1949 Stalker Nov. 29, 1949 10 Lloyd et a1. Nov. 14,1950 Number Number Name Date Goddard Dec. 5, 1950 Price Feb. 6, 1951Darling Mar. 27, 1951 Goddard May 29, 1951 Bonvillian et a1. Oct. 2,1951 FQREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany Sept. 1, 1922 France Oct. '7,1946

